The Office of the President has reaffirmed that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the legitimate governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the Supreme Court’s decision postponing the regional elections to no later than March 31, 2026.

This clarification followed the Supreme Court’s recent decision to postpone the BARMM elections, originally scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025. The postponement was sought to ensure proper electoral preparations and to maintain governance stability in the autonomous region.

In a statement released Thursday, Oct. 30, Malacañang said the decision ensures “continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition” in the region, consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v. COMELEC.

Under RA 12123, the Palace noted that the current members of the BTA will “continue to exercise full powers and authority during the extended transition period” until new officials are duly elected or appointed.

Malacañang clarified that no formal reappointment of BTA members is necessary, as they continue to hold office “by operation of law” until they are replaced or succeeded.

“The authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the President, as provided by law,” the Palace added.

The Office of the President reiterated its full commitment to sustaining peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro.

It added that the continuation of the BTA’s mandate during the transition period reflects the administration’s priority to maintain institutional stability and uninterrupted delivery of services in BARMM.

The BTA, created under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, has served as the interim government of the region since 2019, overseeing its political and fiscal transition following the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Early this month, Malacañang expressed its support for democratic processes in the BARMM. It also vowed to work closely with concerned agencies to ensure that the aspirations of Bangsamoro residents are honored in line with the Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

It said this commitment is part of the national effort to secure a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, grounded on autonomy, the rule of law, and the right to vote.

The Palace added that the government would extend its full support to constitutionally mandated institutions tasked with implementing the transition and preparing for future elections.

“This is part of the continuing national effort to achieve just and lasting peace in Mindanao, anchored on meaningful autonomy, the rule of law, and the exercise of suffrage,” it said.